Reno's Seismological Laboratory reports an ongoing swarm of earthquakes near south Reno, Nevada since 06:11 UTC on January 12, 2018 (22:11 PST, January 11).
More than 90 events have been located in the area of the Mt. Rose highway and I-580 since last night (PST). USGS reports 20 earthquakes in the region since 06:11 UTC. The largest were M2.0 at 08:10, M2.6 at 10:06 and M2.4 at 21:02 UTC.
There are no reports of damage, and about 38 people have reported feeling the small quakes.
Ken Smith, seismic network manager and associate director of the seismological lab said the activity notably increased late last night and this morning. "We’re monitoring the swarm closely and updating local emergency management officials in case this sequence evolves to a larger, damaging earthquake."
"When we feel these small earthquakes, it’s nature’s way of telling us that Nevada, and Washoe County, is earthquake country," Washoe County Emergency Manager Aaron Kenneston said.
Kenston urged residents to walk through their houses today, or place of work, and do a 'hazard hunt.' "Secure bookshelves, water heaters and items that can easily fall and hurt you," he said.
Image credit: USGS
The public is urged to be prepared in the event an emergency causes them to be self-reliant for three days without utilities and electricity, water service, access to a supermarket or local services, or maybe even without response from police, fire or rescue.
Over the last 150 years, Nevada has ranked as the third state in the United States in the number of large earthquakes. Since the 1850s, 76 earthquakes with potentially destructive magnitudes of 5.5 or greater have occurred in Nevada.
Nevada-California citizens should always consider earthquake preparedness. Information is available at the Great Nevada Shakeout website.
Featured image credit: USGS
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